Vermont peacock on the run with wild turkeys

Pea Johnson

Some ruffled feathers in southern Vermont on this Thanksgiving. A Springfield woman says her bird is missing but that's no turkey. It's a peacock!

The 2019 Vermont Fish & Wildlife Calendar now available

Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department announces the release of the colorful 2019 Fish & Wildlife Calendar. The calendar, available at their Springfield office, is filled with stunning photos of Vermont wildlife, including moose, bald eagle, longnose gar, white-tailed deer, and yellow warbler.

OLLI presents 'The Black Bear: Nature’s Voracious Omnivore'

Kurt Valenta, naturalist and educator, will present the OLLI-Osher Lifelong Learning Institute program Tuesday, Oct. 23. “The Black Bear: Nature’s Voracious Omnivore” will be presented at 2 p.m. at the Nolin Murray Center next to St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Pleasant St. in Springfield.

Fall wildlife food more scarce

Several food sources that wildlife eat in the fall, such as acorns, beechnuts and apples, are not as abundant this year, according to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department in Springfield.

Bringing back the nighthawk

91% decline in population. What can we do to bring the common nighthawks back to the Connecticut River Valley as breeding birds? Come and hear NH Audubon’s Becky Suomala on Oct. 26 to find out. The presentation is at the Unitarian Universalist church in Springfield, Vermont at 7 p.m.

Lions Club 5th annual Fishing Tournament

The 5th annual Springfield Lions Club Fishing Tournament will take place Sunday, Sept. 9 at Hoyt’s Landing on Route 5 along the Connecticut River in Springfield. Registration starts at 6:30 a.m. There is a registration fee, but children 12 and under are free.

Black River BioBlitz nets nature lovers

From mushrooms to mussels, wood turtles to warblers, bass to bugs, and milfoil to maple trees, visitors to the first annual Black River BioBlitz were treated to a little bit of everything.

Library Board rejects proposed Mt. Ascutney name change

Mount Ascutney as seen from the North Springfield Flood Control Dam. The State of Vermont Board of Libraries voted unanimously Tuesday against a petition to change the name of Mount Ascutney to Kaskadenak, an Abenaki name.

Mosquitoes in Springfield test positive for West Nile

Mosquitoes in Springfield, Vt., have tested positive for the West Nile virus, Vermont Health Department officials announced this morning.

Fish are flying in the Northeast Kingdom

A thunderous roar can be heard along the Barton River at the Willoughby Falls in Orleans. Visitors alike lined up by the dozens, including one Springfield resident, hoping to catch a look at the jumping fish!

RVTC students take part in 'Game of Logging' chainsaw safety program

Photo: Northeast Woodlands Training Inc. instructor Allan Sands confers with student Seth Martin during the felling of a tree.

VT Fish & Wildlife hosts public discussion sessions on baitfish regulations

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is hosting several public discussion sessions on Vermont's fishing regulations, beginning January 30th in Springfield. Department officials are hoping to engage anglers in a discussion and gather public opinion on the state's baitfish rules.

Rodents, Rodents, Rodents on the River

They are no one’s favorite animals but on any given day you might spot a furry critter scurrying, waddling, hunting along or swimming in the water.

Black River Connections TV series debuts

Black River Action Team's Kelly Stettner kicks off a new TV series dedicated to educating people within the Black River watershed on water quality issues. The program is also viewable online.

Protect Our Wildlife

AmeriCorps volunteers helping in Springfield

An AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) team is serving with Vermont State Park from July 1 through Aug. 10. The team's priority task is to serve as camp counselors at Muckross Youth Day Camp and remove invasive species from Mt. Ascutney and Wilgus State Park.

The North Springfield Bog and pitcher plants

Some area residents will be aware of the bog on the Fairgrounds Road in North Springfield. Others will have knowledge about pitcher plants but might not know they can be seen locally.

Stern awarded tree steward by forestry program

Having watched fifth grade teacher Vanessa Stern work with her Union Street School students during a field trip to Muckross State Park last fall, it is not surprising she was recently recognized as 2017 Vermont Tree Steward under the category of “Unsung Hero” by the Vermont Department of Urban & Community Forestry Program.

Please do not disturb

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is reminding anglers and the general public as a whole to avoid disturbing spawning sea lamprey that may currently be found in the Connecticut River and several of its tributaries.

VT governor makes appearance at ice fishing fest

It’s been years since Vermont Gov. Phil Scott has picked up an ice fishing rod, but the allure is still there. “I still enjoy the excitement. I used to fish a lot,” said Scott during a brief visit to the 4th annual Ice Fishing Festival at Hoyt’s Landing in Springfield, sponsored by the Vermont Department of Fish & Game.